a long time, I just stand there, letting the water sluice my sins away, wishing it would take what’s left of my ruined heart too.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Colt
I roll over in bed and stare at the clock. I’ve been awake for hours just thinking about her, and it’s likely gonna kill me in the pasture today. I shower and dress, hoping I can get in and out of the main house and avoid seeing Lemon at all. I could do without breakfast, lunch too if needed, but I cannot live without my morning coffee and it’s a well-known fact that Mama Winchester makes the best coffee in three counties.
I slide on my boots, then I place my hat on my head and close the door behind me as I leave. Daisy-Mae runs the bed-and-breakfast and she’s delivering a fresh set of towels to the single female guest in cabin three. She has a real look about her—pinup style with tattoos, perfect makeup, and the kind of vibrant, ruby–red hair that you see in cartoons.
I tip my hat at them both. “Howdy, ma’am. Daisy-Mae.”
“Morning, Colton.” Daisy-Mae gives me a wave and turns back to her guest. “Can I get you anything else, Carla?”
“Yeah, who’s the cowboy?” the redhead whispers loud enough to be heard at the main house.
“Oh, that’s Colton Hayes. He’s one of our ranch hands,” Daisy says conversationally. “But … he don’t date.”
“Figures. I’m always chasing the boys who are never available.”
“Girl, tell me about it. My husband was so unavailable, he had his secretary break up with me before they ran off to Dallas together.”
“Oh God. I’m so sorry.”
“It is what it is. Nothin’ for it now, I suppose.”
“Wait, that’s the infamous Colton?” Carla asks. “No wonder Lemon was sneaking out of his room yesterday at first light.”
“Lemon Winchester Lemon? Are you sure she was sneaking out of his cabin?”
I chuckle as I continue on to my truck and climb in. Carla’s a California girl who’s been eyeing off Cash since she got here, and I’m sure she don’t mean no harm. She’s definitely a looker, and maybe if I were a different man I might even use this opportunity to throw another woman in Lemon’s face. But I’m not a different man, and there’s never been anyone for me but my childhood sweetheart. Shame it ain’t the same for her.
I start the engine and peel out of the drive, taking the main road and then the service path where I pull up in front of the house. The sun is shining and it’s a glorious day. I try to focus on these things as I climb out of my truck and take the stairs two at a time. I don’t bother knocking because this place is more my home than that cabin I rent, but I do wipe my feet because Mama Winchester ain’t real fond of dirty boots on her clean floors.
I head to the kitchen, and I’m surprised to find everyone awake and already seated. “Mornin’,” I say, taking off my hat and hanging it on the hat rack just inside the kitchen.
“You’re late.” Mama points a spatula at me, and I walk over and kiss her cheek even though I’m not late at all. Breakfast is at six. I don’t mention this to Mama, though, because I’m not a crazy person.
Mama hands me a plate and I accept it gratefully and stare at the occupants of the table. A full house. All of the Winchester children are sitting at the table scoffing down pancakes from their plates, all except Lemon. She’s just scowling at me.
“Colt, honey. Why don’t you sit by Lemonade?”
“I’d love to,” I reply, but inside I don’t feel as cocky as I’m making out. I’m supposed to be mending fences with West today, so why then do I feel like Mama Winchester is trying to force the same between me and her daughter?
Lemon scowls but quits leaning on her elbow pushing the food around on her plate and sits up straight, discarding her fork for her coffee cup. She wraps both hands around the ceramic and presses her mouth to the lip. A hundred thousand memories come back to me of kissing that mouth, listening to her sing quietly to me in the dark under a cover of stars as I blanketed her body with my own and kissed every inch of flesh she had to offer.
I shake my head and snap out of it as I sit beside her. I can’t be